As of November 20, Christmas will be only a short five weeks away. Would you like to try for a stress-free holiday this year? If you hope to avoid those last minute hectic preparations, now is the time to start planning. When you take the time to plan it all out, it is easy to see how much there really is to do. By doing a little bit each week for the next five weeks, your holiday should be less frantic and more fantastic. From decorations to cooking to shopping, here are the things you should start doing this week to be ready by Christmas morning:

Determine What You Already Have and What You Will Need

Take inventory of any decorations, wrapping paper, ribbon, tape, tags, batteries and any other supplies you already have on hand for holiday preparations. Knowing what you already have will come in handy when creating your holiday budget and watching for sales on items you need. Use this holiday spending worksheet to help you budget for the many spending needs we have during the holiday season. Be sure to check the following:

And don't forget your postal carrier, stylist, newspaper carrier or anyone else to whom you like to give a holiday tip.

Determine your Christmas Card List

Make sure you have updated addresses for everyone on your list.

Decide how many stamps, cards and envelopes you will need.

Will you be purchasing cards or making your own?

Do you need to schedule a family photo or take one yourself for your cards?

Put Together Your Holiday Budget

Create your holiday budget. Be sure to plan for gifts, entertainment, travel, decorations, stamps, cards and any other expenditures you can think of. You do not have to determine your Christmas menu just yet, but don't forget to budget for holiday meals and baked goods. Be sure to consider the following so your budget is as complete as possible:

Are there people on your Christmas card list who you have not spoken to since you sent a card last Christmas?

Perhaps adult family members would agree to drawing names this year instead of buying a gift for everyone.

Budgeting sometimes takes creativity, so look at each category and figure out ways to have the Christmas you want at a price you can afford. And make sure you can get through the holiday season without accumulating a lot of debt. Take a look at these ideas and suggestions that can help you trim your holiday budget and be a smarter shopper this year.

Start a holiday calendar to keep track of holiday parties, local community events, church programs and television specials you'd like to attend or watch this season. Don't forget to schedule a night to go out and look at Christmas lights!

Pull out your holiday music and DVDs and start listening and watching to get in that holiday spirit.

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